Doha, Qatar – Qatari shooters achieved significant success at the Asian Shotgun Championship, held at the Lusail Shooting Complex, securing a total of five medals including a gold in the skeet events. The championship, which began earlier this week, saw Qatar’s men’s team triumph in the team skeet competition, while individual athletes also claimed silver medals in both men’s and women’s categories. The event draws top marksmen from across Asia, serving as a key qualifier for international competitions.
Qatar Dominates in Skeet at Asian Championship
The Qatari men’s skeet team of Rashid Saleh Al Athba, Mohammed Ahmed Al Kuwari, and Ali Ahmed Al Ishaq led the charge, finishing first with a combined score of 352 targets over five rounds. Kuwait followed closely behind, earning silver with 350 targets, and Kazakhstan secured the bronze medal with a score of 345. This victory underscores Qatar’s growing strength in the shotgun discipline.
Additionally, the women’s team of Reem Al Sharshani, Sara Mohammed, and Hajar Mohammed contributed to Qatar’s medal count, taking home a silver medal in the women’s team skeet event with a total of 347 targets. Kazakhstan claimed gold with 350, and China rounded out the podium with a bronze medal of 325.
Record-Breaking Performances Highlight Individual Events
The individual skeet competitions were marked by exceptional skill and new records. In the women’s individual event, Reem Al Sharshani earned a silver medal, scoring 31 targets in the final. However, it was Kazakhstan’s Adil Sadakbayeva who stole the show, winning gold with a remarkable 33 out of 36 targets, setting new Asian and world marks, according to tournament officials.
The men’s individual final was equally competitive, witnessing a tie between Kuwait’s Mohammed Al Daihani and Kazakhstan’s Eduard Yashchenko, both achieving 33 out of 36 targets. Al Daihani ultimately prevailed in a tense shoot-off, securing the gold, while Yashchenko took silver. South Korea’s Jang-soo Hwang earned the bronze with a score of 27.
Rashid Saleh Al Athba expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting the strong competition from other Asian nations. He stated the team was able to overcome the challenges and secure the gold, and looked forward to the mixed team event. Al Sharshani also conveyed her pleasure with the silver medals, acknowledging the difficult atmosphere and the positive impact of the home crowd.
The Asian Shotgun Championship serves as an important platform for athletes to gain experience and qualify for major international events, including the Olympic Games. The competition also highlights the development of shooting sports across Asia, with countries like Kazakhstan and Kuwait demonstrating increasing prowess in the discipline. The event is a key part of Qatar’s strategy to become a leading hub for sports events in the region.
The championship continues tomorrow with the highly anticipated mixed team skeet competition. Qatar will be looking to add to their medal tally, but faces stiff competition from Kazakhstan and Kuwait, who have already proven their strength in the individual and team events. The outcome of the mixed team event will likely determine the overall standings of the championship and provide further insight into the competitive landscape of Asian shooting sports.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Qatar Sports Information
International Shooting Sport Federation